2nd Annual Halloween Horror Student Flash Fiction Contest

The 2nd Annual Halloween Horror Student Flash Fiction Contest is back, and this year we're casting a wider net. Starting September 1st, high school students can submit original horror, thriller, or dark fantasy flash fiction for a chance to win cash prizes, publication in our online showcase, and recognition from published authors in The Dark Veil Society. Submissions close October 15th, and winners will be announced on Halloween night — because the best horror deserves the perfect stage.

This year's theme is Urban Legends, an original Urban Legend of your creation: the story your town tells after dark, the one everybody swears happened to a friend of a friend.

Everything you need to know about this year's contest:

• Entry fee: None! It's free to enter.
• Who can enter: Any student in grades 9–12, or the international equivalent of secondary education. UK and international students are welcome, void where prohibited.
• How to enter: Students can enter individually, or through their school or club. Teachers, librarians, and writing club advisors can run the contest as a class assignment or club activity and submit their class's best stories.
• What to submit: Original horror, thriller, or dark fantasy flash fiction, 500–1,500 words, in .docx or .pdf using the Classic Shunn manuscript format
• When: Submissions open September 1, 2026 and close October 15, 2026. Entries are limited so our authors can give every story a careful read, and individual spots are accepted first-come — so don't wait.
• How winners are chosen: Stories are judged blind by published authors from The Dark Veil Society
• What winners receive: Cash prizes ($150, $75, and $25), certificates of achievement, and publication credit in our online student showcase

Last year's inaugural contest showed us just how much talent is out there waiting for a platform. This year, we want to reach even more schools, more students, and more voices. Teachers, librarians, and writing club advisors: you can reserve a classroom and guarantee your students' spots. Spread the word — the next great horror author might be sitting in a classroom right now.